See why some ships never left these waters.

Crystal Coast

Along the rare, south-facing beaches of the Crystal Coast, you can see relics from Blackbeard’s infamous ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Meet playful otters and an albino sea turtle at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Experience history by exploring, running and climbing through it at the Fort Macon State Park. Watch wild horses racing the shores of Shackleford Banks or climb nearby Cape Lookout Lighthouse. And discover why Beaufort was voted America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel readers in 2012.